Hotel Security in a Digital World: How To Prevent Hotel Data Breaches [Infographic]
If you’re planning a summer vacation, don’t allow the nicer weather to lull you into a false feeling of security when it comes to data security.
The global hotel business had the second-highest number of breach incidents, according to the 2016 Trustwave Global Security Report. Hotel data breaches affect both huge chains and single properties.
Point-of-sale (POS) malware is one of the most common sources of stolen payment cards for cyber criminals, but a hotel security breach can also expose a wealth of other information.
Hotels maintain vast databases of sensitive information from customers, which is used to book rooms and/or make payments at hotel shops. Identity theft and account fraud can be committed using names, addresses, credit card information, passport information, personal preferences, and medical information.
At the same time, because computerized systems are interconnected, cybercriminals who infiltrate a network may be able to damage structural components of the hotel as well, such as door locks, heating and air conditioning, and electrical systems.
Hotels have traditionally offered strict physical protection for their visitors, and it is now critical to demonstrate that all property, including valuable information, is kept secure.
Some of the step’s hotels can take to better protect customer data and lessen the danger of a hotel data breach and fraud are as follows.
Hotel Security in a Digital World – How To Prevent Hotel Data Breaches
1. Risk Assessment
Know what vital data is on file and where it is stored, both physically and electronically; additionally, how it moves within and outside of the business.
2. Safeguard POS Systems
According to Trustwave, POS (point-of-sale) malware accounts for 65% of breaches, with inadequate remote access protection accounting for 44% of intrusions.
To protect against POS assaults and other malware, invest in cutting-edge cyber security measures such as encryption, anti-virus software, and firewalls.
Patch all terminals on a regular basis, especially those that are always in use. Separate POS systems from the rest of the network.
3. PCI Security
By upholding global payment card industry standards, the PCI Security Standards Council combats hotel credit card fraud. Ascertain if the organization is committed to PCI compliance.
4. Employee Education
The hotel business is recognized for having considerable personnel turnover, which can have an impact on front-line defenses. All personnel should receive frequent and continuous security awareness training.
5. Security Culture
Implement a security culture so that security awareness is embedded from the start. It should be visible at all organizational levels.
6. Third-Party Screening
Hotels work with airlines, vehicle rental businesses, retail establishments, and a variety of other vendors. Ascertain that all third-party partners that serve as access points are committed to information security best practices.
7. Keep Less Sensitive Data
Clear away files as often as feasible and limit access to stored information.
8. Embed Security
Use embedded secure workplace processes to direct employee conduct. A Clean Desk Policy instructs employees to keep confidential information out of work locations.
A shredder Employees are required by policy to shred all documents (both digital and paper) when they are no longer needed.
To Conclude
Hotels have always had to respond to cybersecurity threats and events as quickly as possible, which is a difficult effort in and of itself. The epidemic has made it even more difficult by introducing new cyber dangers and threats.
As a result, hotels all around the world must drastically alter their cybersecurity posture in order to ensure visitor data security. You can safeguard your organization from new cybersecurity threats by reassessing current security risks and capabilities, identifying weak points, and making necessary modifications.
It’s advisable to utilize software that provides all of the essential security measures in one location if you want to do it quickly and easily.
Check out the infographic below by Killarney Hotels Collection which takes a further look into areas of hotel digital security such as vulnerable areas, threats, prevention methods and big data breaches from Marriott International and MGM Resorts.
